In a world where workplace inclusion can no longer be optional, allyship offers a powerful path forward. Nohelia Argote explores how leaders can move beyond performative support to actively foster equity, belonging, and trust. Through science-backed insights and real-world strategies, she invites us to see allyship not as a risk, but as a leadership advantage. Nick Nicholas is a police captain and public sector executive with nearly two decades of experience navigating the inner workings of local government. He has served both on the front lines of law enforcement and behind the scenes in management and leadership—balancing operational demands with the bureaucratic realities of public systems. Nick is a doctoral student at the Drucker School of Management, where his research focuses on understanding the factors that influence city pride and how local governments can foster stronger civic identity through strategic leadership and organizational practices. He is passionate about empowering professional staff, rethinking outdated processes, and unlocking the potential of public institutions. Nick has spoken nationally on policing, leadership, and civic innovation.Nohelia Argote is a PhD scholar in Organizational Behavior whose research centers on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). She explores how race, gender, and other intersecting identities shape workplace experiences and influence leadership dynamics. Her work emphasizes the power of inclusive leadership to drive meaningful change in organizations. With a deep commitment to social justice, Nohelia uses research to inform practices that promote equity and belonging. She believes allyship is essential to building more equitable and effective leadership. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can games unlock our brain’s full learning potential? In this dynamic talk, the speaker explores how gamification can supercharge education by turning lessons into engaging, brain-boosting challenges. Discover how game mechanics like rewards, levels, and storytelling can transform classrooms—and why tapping into our brain’s "cheat codes" might be the key to deeper learning and motivation. It all started in 2017, when I was a twelve year old child. We had just landed in Türkiye due to my traveler family, a land of captivating history and vibrant culture. Yet, a language barrier stood between me and the world around me. Feeling isolated and quite bored, I found myself drawn to the familiar glow of my father's old computer. In a quest for virtual adventures, I stumbled upon Code.org, a website that promised to unlock the secrets of coding. Little did I know, it would be the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for technology.Those first blocks of code were like magic spells, weaving digital worlds into existence. I devoured the introductory courses on Code.org, collecting certificates with childlike pride. Each challenge solved fueled a burning curiosity – what else could this code create? This newfound fascination propelled me to delve deeper, to unravel the mysteries behind the ones and zeros that powered the digital world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx